Crane goes up at student tower site

21 Dec 2010, 09:39

Shepherd Construction has erected a 99-metre tower crane as construction progresses on developer Student Castle's 37-storey accommodation block next to Oxford Road station in central Manchester's.

The £45m building will rise to 112 metres when it completes in 2012, second only in height to the Hilton tower by Beetham at 301 Deansgate.

The 520-bed development, designed by Hodder + Partners, will accommodate undergraduates, postgraduates and international students with a mix of self-contained studio apartments and cluster-style communal accommodation.

The crane will initially only operate at a height of 54 metres but as construction progresses, the height will increase to 99 metres.

Peter Millett, managing director of Shepherd Construction's west division, said: "Having completed the preparation of the ground we are now starting to build skywards and people will notice a real transformation in the site."

Student Castle is backed by Carphone Warehouse directors Charles Dunstone and Roger Taylor. The company has live projects in Newcastle and Cardiff and is targeting a dozen university cities around the country.

Drivers Jonas Deloitte advises Student Castle.

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3 Comments Add Comment

Is it me or is this construction firm fascinated with how big their tower and crane are. Sounds like a serious case of little man syndrome... And I bet he wears a pink shirt on a night out. Merry Christmas. …

comment by 6 footer | 21/12/2010 13:42:43

Yes I do wear pink shirts and 5ft 4 is tall for my family.
And a happy new year. …

comment by Anon | 21/12/2010 14:28:17

And what's wrong with a pink shirt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…

comment by Anon | 22/12/2010 09:50:12